Sports Network

Charlotte, NC - The Carolina Panthers have released veteran kicker John Kasay.

The Panthers informed Kasay on Wednesday that they have an alternative plan for their kicking game going forward.

"We informed him that there were a couple of guys out there that we might go after. When it was clear we were going to get one, I called him and told him," general manager Marty Hurney said. "I think he was surprised and had a thousand different emotions going through his body, just like anybody would. It's just hard. This is the part of the job that's not very fun."

The 41-year-old Kasay, who was the last remaining player from the expansion Panthers of 1995, made 25-of-29 field goals last season.

A fourth-round pick by Seattle out of Georgia in 1991, Kasay was signed away from the Seahawks by the Panthers prior to their debut season in 1995. He spent 16 seasons with the Panthers.

Kasay departs as the team's all-time leader with 351 field goals and 1,482 points.

Over 20 seasons with the Seahawks and Panthers, Kasay has converted 433-of-529 field-goal attempts.

Carolina reportedly agreed to terms with kicker Olindo Mare on a four-year deal earlier in the week.

The 38-year-old Mare spent the last three seasons with the Seahawks. He made 73 of his 83 field-goal attempts during his time in Seattle.

Over 15 seasons with the Dolphins, Saints and Seahawks, Mare has made 328- of-403 field goals.